Nigeria's new president declares his assets, far cry from predecessor's 'I don't give a damn'

ABUJA, Nigeria – A spokesman says Nigeria's new President Muhammadu Buhari has publicly declared his assets — a far cry from his predecessor's adamant refusal to comply with a disclosure law.

Spokesman Garba Shehu says the president and his deputy submitted their declarations to the Code of Conduct Bureau on Thursday, the day before their inauguration, though the figures are not available immediately.

Buhari has promised to fight the corruption crippling Africa's biggest oil producer. He said every public officer in his government must obey the law by declaring their assets on assuming office and again on their departure.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan had condemned calls for him to disclose his worth. He said his refusal to declare was "a matter of personal principle ... and I don't give a damn about it."